Grable retired from screen acting in 1955 after she withdrew from her Fox contract, but she continued to perform on the stage and on television. Gambling, smoking, affairs, Betty was far When she was young, she got together with a handsome married man named George Raft, a tough guy actor associated with sinister figures like Bugsy Seigel. Her husband is Harry James (5 July 1943 - 9 October 1965) ( divorced) ( 2 children), Jackie Coogan (20 November 1937 - 8 October 1940) ( divorced) Betty Grable Net Worth Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. In fact, grossly enough, he was known for his endurance and his indiscriminate taste. And that wasnt all. her daughters. For her first role, as a chorus girl in the film Happy Days (1929), Grable was only 12 years old (legally underage for acting), but, because the chorus line performed in blackface, it was difficult to tell how old she was. Uh. The Farmer Takes a Wife, was highly publicized, but, was unfortunately, critically panned and proved to be a box-office failure. She cared more for her family than stardom.Betty Grable died at age 56 of lung cancer on July 2, 1973 in Santa Monica, California, five days before Veronica Lake's death. Her movie career is a distant memory now, but there was a time when Betty Grable was the hottest thing going in Hollywood. The film's success led to Grable's casting in Tin Pan Alley (1940), co-starring Faye. (1942) by Libbie Block.. Pin Up Girl capitalized on Grable's . Theres no accounting for taste, and theres definitely no accounting for Betty Grable and Harry Jamess taste in baby names. It was later included in the LIFE magazine project "100 Photos that Changed the World". Critics, though, were not as accepting of the film. One of the hottest summer reads is a showbiz bio that the subject tried to suppress and her ghostwriter never finished. Critics called the film a "slight, but cheerful, item", and proclaimed it "does serve to bring Betty Grable back to the screen". She was a heavy smoker for most of her life, and the disease had advanced frighteningly. There was just one problem. https://www.newnetherlandinstitute.org/history-and-heritage/dutch_a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Grable. In 1949, Grable's film The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend was released but proved to be a critical and box-office flop, which caused Grable's film career to begin to falter. The movie was a big commercial hit. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? Her mother groomed her for a career in show business from an early age. After Lubitsch's death early in production, Otto Preminger took over. In 1943, she collaborated with photographer Frank Powolny for a regular studio photo session. The plot revolved around two showgirls who witness the murder of their fellow performer but do not want to get involved in the investigation. She was the youngest of three children. [1], Grable began her film career in 1929 at age 12, after which she was fired from a contract when it was learned she signed up under false identification. Also in 1943, Grable's famous pin-up picture was taken and resulted in Grable being cast in Pin Up Girl (1944). When the film was released, it received mixed reviews; it was referred to as "a bright and beguiling swatch of nonsense" and it did not generate the revenue Fox had hoped. In 1943, she was the number-one box office draw in the world and, in 1947, she was the highest-paid entertainer in the United States. Betty Grable's legacy and her million-dollar legs still lives on almost 50 years after her death. My mom never told me how her best friend died. It has been estimated that five million pin-ups were circulated featuring Betty, and she came out of the war the highest-paid movie star in America. The lavish musical used the pin-up photograph in many scenes, which boosted the photo's sales. During a publicity photoshoot for their movie, Grable happened to notice Monroes toenails were in need of a paint. This film was meant to reunite Grable with Marilyn Monroe, but Monroe turned it down. Every item on Calisphere has been contributed to the site by a California institution. Betty Grable (1916-1973) was arguably the biggest box-office star of the 1940s, appearing in numerous big-budget films alongside Hollywood's most dashing leading men. The . [14], In 1943, she married trumpeter Harry James. Hosiery specialists of the era often noted the ideal proportions of her legs as: thigh (18.5") calf (12"), and ankle (7.5"). [6] Her bathing suit poster made her the number-one pin-up girl of World War II, surpassing Rita Hayworth. Her mother was a stubborn and materialistic woman determined to make her daughter a star. 'Daughters and mothers: mothers and daughters' -- subject(s): Walter Sanders The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock Betty Grable getting cold cream applied to her legs by LIFE photographer Walter Sanders as he prepares her for a photo session at studio. She then officially retired from motion-picture acting. After time off to give birth to her daughter, Grable returned to Fox to star in Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe (1945), co-starring Dick Haymes and Phil Silvers. Grable was particularly noted for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and studio publicity widely dispersed photos featuring them. It was one of the highest grossing films of that year. After small parts in countless low-budgeted B-Hollywood-movies through the 1930s, Grable finally gained national attention for her stage role in the Cole Porter Broadway hit Du Barry Was a Lady (1939). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In 1949, although she still placed in the top 10, she slipped from second to seventh place in popularity. [26] The role had originally been assigned to Alice Faye, Fox's most popular musical film star, but she had to decline the part due to an unspecified illness. For her next film, her mother got her a contract using a false identification. Grable grabbed her own personal polish and gave Monroe a pedicure herself. With the Great Depression looming, Lillians frenzy to make her daughter into a star took an even more chilling turn. The film followed the lines of other movies of the era, but it was not considered a propaganda movie by the studio. Despite her success, she suffered from a fear of crowds and sleepwalking. The film showcased Grable's photo in several brief glimpses. When they were together, they starred in the comedic picture Million Dollars Legs. Her father was a stockbroker. It just simply wasnt enough. It was later included in the Life magazine project "100 Photographs That Changed the World". [12] [7] Personal life [ edit] Thats right all you supermodels, Grable did it first. Thanks for your time! The second movie, I Wake Up Screaming, released in November, had Grable receiving top billing as Jill Lynn, the sister of a young model who is murdered. The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947) was her first film back at Fox. Grable died in 1973 at age 56 of lung cancer. Stardom came in such comedies as Coney Island (1943) and Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943).The public was enchanted with Betty. They fired her unceremoniously. It received favorable reviews from most critics and was a box-office success.[42][43]. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. Birthday: December 18, 1916 (Sagittarius), Born In: St. Louis, Missouri, United States. In 1945, she made Diamond Horseshoe with Dick Haymes. She was entered in multiple beauty contests, many of which she won or for which she achieved considerable attention. While her girl-next-door image has endured through the 21st century, the reality of her dark, dramatic life was anything but ideal. While on set, she met debonair bandleader Harry James, who also starred in the film. She played Cynthia Pilgrim, a college student who graduated at the top of her typewriting class during the first year of the Packard Business College. The tour brought Grable to the attention of Darryl F. Zanuck, the head of 20th Century-Fox, who offered her a long-term contract. However, Grable's biggest hit so far in her career would be Springtime in the Rockies (1942). Pan American Jubilee (Remastered) - Single. Betty was likeable, a talented singer and dancer, and had a lovely smile, but eventually came to be best known for her beautiful legs. The biggest box office star of the 1940s and the most desired WWII pin-up girl, acting-singing-dancing triple-threat Betty Grable became the stuff of Hollywood legend after her studio reportedly . Among the luminaries attending her funeral were her ex-husband Harry James, Dorothy Lamour, Shirley Booth, Mitzi Gaynor, Johnnie Ray, Don Ameche, Cesar Romero, George Raft, Alice Faye and Dan Dailey. This was followed by small roles in a number of films over the decade. . Following the release of her 1939 movie . The shining starlet of Hollywood's Golden Age secured her place as one of America's top pinup . After Grable left Fox, the studio moved Monroe into her old dressing room, which still had her name on the door. The U.S. Treasury Department in 1946 and 1947 listed her as the highest-salaried American woman; she earned more than $3 million during her career. That wasnt all Grable did for Monroe. It may be hard to believe considering the stature of Grables talent and fame, but she was incredibly insecure about her abilities. See, it was also the first feature film of a young girl named Judy Garland. We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message. These films helped to bring Grable's star back to the public but it seemed as if Betty's career was nearing its end. When Lillian couldnt find any new dance class or pageant to enrol Betty in, she turned to her own friends to get her fame fix. Her mother had high hopes that one of her three children would become an actress, and when it became apparent that none of her sisters would fit the bill, Grable's mother pressured her daughter to audition for various roles. If you are experiencing technical issues, we'd request that you contact Calisphere directly. Her mother bleached her hair and gave her a makeover so that her daughter could make it big in Hollywood. Is it any wonder that growing up too fast had grave consequences? It was a triumphant show of strength, but it backfired horribly. Naughty Facts About Bettie Page, The Original Pin-Up, Stabbed In The Back: These Real-Life Betrayals Are Straight Up Brutal, These People Shared The Worst Moments Of Their LivesAnd Theyre Utterly Brutal, These Eerie Supernatural Experiences Sent A Chill Down Our Spines, These Mega Embarrassing Moments Still Made Us Burst Out Laughing, "The Bride Kissed The Best Man" And Other Real-Life Wedding Disasters. This was said because Monroe was replacing Grable as 20th Century Fox's leading sex symbol movie-star; with Grable meaning she felt no threat, as she was nearing retirement. [32] The picture was released as a poster and became the most requested photo for G.I.s stationed overseas. Grable next starred in Walter Lang's Mother Wore Tights, released in September 1947, co-starring Dan Dailey. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. In 1950, Grable made two widely successful films; Wabash Avenue and My Blue Heaven. [2], She replaced Alice Faye in Down Argentine Way (1940), her first major Hollywood film, and became Fox's biggest film star throughout the next decade. Unhappy with their starlet, Paramount fired her again. Thats when it all changed. Betty Grable (1916-1973) Birth name: Elizabeth Ruth Grable Birthdate: Monday, December 18th, 1916 Location: St Louis, Missouri, USA Died: Monday, July 2nd, 1973 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Cause of death: Lung cancer In the late 1930s, Grable signed a contract with Paramount Pictures, starring in several B-movies, mostly portraying co-eds. John passed away at barely two years of age the same year Betty was born. Her second marriage lasted 23 years. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Studio head Darryl Zanuck had only signed Grable onto Down Argentine Way because his original lead, starlet Alice Faye, had to drop out at the last minute. No, Betty Grable and her husband Harry James were two of the worst We want our readers to trust us. 2006. Nicknamed Betty as a child, she was pressured by her mother to become a performer. Pigskin Parade was supposed to be Betty Grables big break, but what it really did was earn the starlet her first rival. What are the answers to studies weekly week 26 social studies? They were so popular, they even spawned a lyric in song sung by WWII GI's,"I want a gal, just like the gal, who married Harry . To hide her baby hump, she turned her back to the camera, and a legend was born. My Blue Heaven, released in December 1950, re-teamed her with Dan Dailey, and was equally successful financially. Fox then began to develop Philip Wylie's short story "Second Honeymoon", into a script suited for Grable's talents. She tied the knot with actor Jackie Coogan in 1937 and divorced him in 1939. One way to cheer up the servicemen was through pin-up photographs of famous actresses, which they made into posters and shipped overseas. Instead of taking a step back and saying Hmm, maybe I shouldnt force my daughter into child labor, Lillian just grew more unhinged and determined. It's one of the most famous pin-up photos of all time -- Betty Grable, in a tight, one-piece bathing suit, posing with her back to the camera and looking over her shoulder. Grable's legs were insured by her studio for $1 million as a publicity stunt. Elizabeth Ruth "Betty" Grable ( 18. joulukuuta 1916 Saint Louis, Missouri - 2. heinkuuta 1973 Santa Monica, Kalifornia) oli yhdysvaltalainen laulaja, malli, nyttelij ja tanssija. During World War II, GI locker doors and warship . Paramount lent her to 20th Century-Fox to co-star in the adolescent comedy Pigskin Parade (1936). Harry James, proud parent of Vicki and Jessica. The movie was about a Broadway actress who is so successful that her husband considers her more of an asset than a wife. "I Had the Craziest Dream," the haunting ballad from Springtime in the Rockies, was played on the church organ. . She had no talent but was determined to produce a star. Betty Grables sly smile turned toward the camera is one of the most iconic images in history. Mother of Victoria Elizabeth James and Jessica James. After Tin Pan Alley, Grable was teamed again with Ameche in the hit musical Moon Over Miami (1941), which co-starred up-and-coming actress Carole Landis. Her mother made her attend the Hollywood Professional School and learned dancing from the Ernest Blecher Academy. She received larger roles in The Gay Divorcee (1934) and Follow the Fleet (1936).[23]. Her marriage to trumpeter Harry James in 1943 produced two children and reams of publicity . The studio put their waning star in How to Marry a Millionaire alongside none other than Monroe and the equally new and shiny Lauren Bacall. It was reported that Grable often quarreled with Fairbanks and Preminger and that she nearly walked out on filming, but decided against it on the advice of her agent. From the moment it came out it was iconic, and immediately became the most popular pin-up poster. enamored with themselves. Wearing a white one-piece bathing . The Gay Divorcee. Marilyn Monroe never forgot Grables kindnessand one day, she got the chance to repay her in a touching tribute. Grable, whose career was declining, was assumed to be jealous of Monroe because she was being groomed as Fox's newest star and possibly as Grable's unofficial successor. Copyright 2023 by Factinate.com. She had German, English, Irish, and Dutch ancestry. "If that's not luck, I don't know what you'd call it", Grable said in her first interview after signing with the studio. They were totally The title Million Dollar Legs, is a name from which her nickname is taken. Now thiswas an even worse moral quandary for the time, and the minute studio executives found out about the storks package, they started pressuring the actors to marry in a hurry. Betty Grable. The two reportedly remained friends until Grable's death. Grable was reluctant to continue her film career, but Fox was desperately in need of her return. Her second marriage was to trumpeter Harry James in 1943. "[9], Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri,[10] the youngest of three children of Lillian Rose (ne Hofmann; 18891964) and John Conn Grable (18831954), a stockbroker. Career Early career: 1929-1939 Betty Grable was a Sagittarius and was born in the G.I. "I Had the Craziest Dream", the ballad from Springtime in the Rockies, was played on the church organ. Grable died July 2, 1973, of lung cancer at age 56 in Santa Monica, California. [60], Grable has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6525 Hollywood Boulevard. 'O Blest Communion', Signe Hammer has written: However, she changed her mind and decided to take her chance on Broadway; she accepted Buddy DeSylva's offer to star in his musical DuBarry Was a Lady, starring Ethel Merman and Bert Lahr. Elizabeth Ruth Grable (December 18, 1916 July 2, 1973) was an American actress, pin-up girl, dancer, model, and singer. (1930), starring Eddie Cantor. Grable quickly became an acting, singing and dancing triple threat. Betty Grable was an adorable, rosy-cheeked, blonde little girl. Only 13 years old, Grable lied about her age and landed chorus girl parts in several Hollywood musicals. Most of Grable's immediate ancestors were American, but her distant heritage was of Dutch, Irish, German and English stock. One day, James and Grable found out that she was pregnant. Actress Born in Missouri #20. Though they did not marry, their romance lasted until the end of Grable's life. Zanuck tried, on multiple occasions, to cast her in films that challenged her acting abilities, but Grable was reluctant; she felt insecure about her talent and this made her unwilling to accept roles she felt required too much of her. December 18 Actress #11. She was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery. The plot only thickened from there. It enjoyed reasonable success at the box office, particularly overseas. They looked out just in time to see Rafts lackey cursing and limping away from his failed surveillance mission, having just fallen from the tree he had posted up in. Yet again, rumors swirled about the set environment during the shoot, with many whispering that the two sparring starlets detested each other. Call Me Mister, proved to bring only moderate box-office success. Betty's father, Conn Grable, lives permanently at the ranch and oversees things. The film was moderately successful and quickly was followed by Meet Me After the Show (1951), co-starring Macdonald Carey, Rory Calhoun, and Eddie Albert. death. Harry Making distraction rewarding since 2017. So when the film became a box office titan, with critics lauding Grables performance and anointing her as Fayes successor, it looked like Grable had won herself another rival. When Monroe withdrew from the production, she was replaced with Sheree North. Betty, Harry and the children go out on weekends and live the life of ranch hands. Grable entered into a relationship with a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior. alcoholic, this did not end the bitterness of the two girls. Grable was irresistible to studios from almost her first role, and when she starred in 1936s Pigskin Parade, it was under an unusual agreement. After 1939, the 23-year-old Grable felt so washed up, she tried to retire from films altogether. Both films capitalized Grable tremendously, with Coney Island, ranking one of the top five successful films of the year. Why was the decision Roe v. Wade important for feminists? Birthdate: May 20, 1947. In 1943 Grable married jazz trumpeter and band leader Harry James. Lorry Jones ( Betty Grable) is a secretary by day and a favorite pin-up/hostess at her local USO canteen by night, where she signs photos, sings, and dances with the servicemen. She reluctantly agreed to make Call Me Mister (1951) with Dan Dailey, a loose musical remake of A Yank in the R.A.F.. But behind closed doors, they hid dark secrets. However, nothing could be further from the truth. What are the Physical devices used to construct memories? She struggled to make it in movies for years. In 1947, the United States Treasury Department noted that she was the highest paid star in America, earning about $300,000 a year - a phenomenal sum even by today's standards. Undaunted by this, Betty Grable was presented at the casting offices of Samuel Goldwyn Productions and was on her way with a contract; at the age of 13, she was playing a chorus girl in a Hollywood film. As a publicity stunt, Grables studio went and actually insured her stems for a literal million dollars at the height of her fame. Grable stuck in his head so much that when Hefner returned home, he set to work on Playboywith her in mind. After the highs of It Girl-dom wore off, Grable was all too aware of her objectification. How many nieces and nephew luther vandross have? When adjusted for inflation, this still remains a fairly exuberant sum to this day.While many other stars that delved into pin-up work around the same time as Betty went on to regret it, she never did. Only, fame didnt come without drama.